Where in Canada are you guys going to settle or thinking of settling?
I am inland CEC...but ultimately in Vancouver, BC. Even though the cost of living is higher than compared to cities such as Montreal..It is one of the most family friendly and livable cities in entire Canada. A city surrounded by Mountains and forests, Ocean and Beach. English being the primary environment.
Cons.. Monopoly in the Auto insurance system as it is offered by only 1 primary insurance company of the government called ICBC which in turn means you shell out a lot more money than any other province as they all have private insurers. If you have a child before school age then day cares can get pretty expensive with them being anywhere between $1200 - $1500( Unless you go for shared nanny or somehow manage a government subsidized daycare which are rare and hard to come by followed by a year or 2 long waiting list). Gas prices are way higher than any other province with a gallon(or was it liter) starting at 160-170c where as provinces such as Ontario and Quebec gives it for 120-135c to as low as 108-115c during the winter months(crazy eh!).
Yes its true that there are quite a few hurdles to overcome in Vancouver but then again the Income tax is wayyyy cheaper than compared to Montreal. So you end up saving more than you do in Montreal.
It ultimately somehow adds up to being even Steven and overall as far as quality of life goes....Beautiful springs and Mesmerizing Falls...I would choose Vancouver over any other province in a heartbeat. Its cozy and comfortable.
I hope my insight gave everyone curious a bit more idea on what to expect.
Cheers!